apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

they remind me a bit of the summer reading lists we used to get at school. I will credit whoever made the groupings for having a bit of taste and imagination.

that said, books furnish a mind, not a room. For me a stack of Agatha Christie or Tom Clancy that was actually read and enjoyed is more interesting than a stack of books selected by someone else to make a statement.

They seem to have a knack for the marketing idea that "If you love this book you'll like that one too." The selections are really smart.

That said, many of these books are classics you could get for a buck at any used book store.

No, just no. If you need a recommendation of books on a theme, ask a friend or someone at your local used or independent bookstore. Don't buy books because of their covers; buy them for their content [although, if you have a choice, pick the best cover!].

It is interesting [and a bit messed up?] how far into the "lifestyle" category Sundance has recently ventured. It's giving me a headache...

The "contrarian" in me is expecting to see a queue of comments, mostly castigating (a) Sundance for selling such collections, (b) anyone guilty of buying or coveting said product, and (c) the point that these aren't "Stacks Terroir," but instead something imported. But it's not an awful idea.

740 Park.....snore, snore, snore.

There are some great books in those collections, ones that I've read and own. But "curated collections"? Puh-lease. People are too concerned with what others might think of their bookshelf.

God, yes, atlantadesigner.

And "Gone Baby Gone"'s a better read than "Mystic River."

Why do you say you keep book buying to a minimum? I guess they're impractical, but for me, piles and piles of books (hand-chosen!) make a home. The more the merrier! Maybe I'm a glutton...

What? No Goosebumps? Remember 'The Horror at Camp Jellyjam'? Puts me right out.

One more thing to add to my smartass comment above...I added each one of the "Smart People" books in either New or Like New condition on Amazon.....total? $61.41...just thought I'd throw that out there....

We talk about the dumbing of America, what we can't choose our own books anymore. Haruki Murakami is the best, I have read all his books, White Teeth is like torture I can't read her. I have the book in my car in case I have nothing else to read and it's been like 3 years. My last good book was the city of Ember, I'm between books right now.

Gosh, nickinseattle,

...and just think how much cooler and cheaper they'd be if beat up a bit!

That is way too pretentious for my taste. But then, I'm a huge nerd, and most of my friends are geeks, so they'll bring their own books if need be. (Not that I have a guest room... guests sleep on the futon in the living room) If they don't, I have a pretty big collection to pick from, but I'm not into displaying books outside of a shelf.

I was just thinking... these could be useful for say, companies that stage houses. I just can't imagine real people buying them.

That said, this comment thread could also be a useful place for AT readers to recommend their favorite books as an alternative?

CONTRIVED

The ONLY excuse I can see for their grouping of such predictable and easily attainable titles is that these bundles would make nice gifts for the "book lover" in your life.
Even then, some personalized selections would be much preferred.

hdtex,

Got it in one. Let's choose our own books.

Why not? I am always on the look out for good books - it is so disappointing to spend money on a mediocre book. I have been known to take advantage of my Amazon "recommendations" with great success. A whole pile of good ones would be a joy to pick up even if it was only mildly discounted.
~k